Darwin Adam ‘Dar’ Brown, of North Platte, died unexpectedly at the age of 54, on Monday, September 17, 2018, at Great Plains Health.

Darwin was born March 31, 1964, to Billy Jr. and Loewayne Lilace (Thompson) Brown at Marysville, KS.  The family moved to North Platte in ’67 and Dar graduated from high school in 1982.  He went on to work at Sixth Street Food Store, Fed Ex and most recently for Inland Truck Parts where he was a drive line mechanic.

Dar had three kids who were his pride and joy.  He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers and liked playing pool.  He wrestled in high school and later became a champion arm wrestler.  Dar was a proud fan of Nebraska football and the Raiders and was a past member of the Moose Lodge.

He leaves behind his children, Justin Brown, of Greeley, CO, Jessica (Andy) Holtorf, of Papillion, NE, and Cody Brown, of North Platte; grandsons, Oscar and Owen Holtorf; mother, Loewayne Brown, of Broken Bow; brothers, Don (Julie) Brown, of Maxwell and Dwayne (Renae) Brown, of Cozad; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Dar was preceded in death by his father, Billy Jr., and brother, Douglas Brown.

Cremation was chosen.  Celebration of Life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.

Leora Blanche (Osterhoudt) Wood, age 89 of North Platte, was reunited with her Heavenly Father and other loved ones on Saturday September 15, 2018.

Leora was born December 29, 1928 in Curtis, NE to Everett Miles and Francis Ida (Richardson) Osterhoudt.  She was one of thirteen children: Howard, Willard, Leora, Barbara, Royal, Betty, Ronald, Wesley, Ida, Franklin, Vernon, Leanna and Miles.  On August 19, 1946 she married Marion Eugene Wood in Oberlin, KS.  They had seven children: Frances Leora, Donald, Kenneth, Lynn, Jimmy, Chris and Lori.  Her family continued to grow and at the time of her death, there were twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.  She and Marion lived on the family farm west of Maywood where she briefly taught in a rural schoolhouse south of Maywood and drove the school bus.  She pursued a career in nursing and in 1980 they moved to North Platte where she was a nurse at Great Plains Regional Medical Center until her retirement on May 30, 1999.  After Marion’s death in 1990, Leora opened her home to a total of eleven foreign exchange students from many different countries.  Her passions were her family, quilting, and gardening.  She made quilts for everyone in the family and would go to the Senior Center every Wednesday.  She also stayed close to her nursing group and would meet monthly for birthday lunches.

Leora is survived by her children Donald (Claudia) Wood of El Paso, TX, Kenneth (Coleen) Wood, Lynn (Shirley) Wood, Jimmy Wood, and Chris (Christine) Wood all of North Platte; son-in-law Kelly Nelson; as well as her 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Francis Osterhoudt; husband Marion; daughters Frances Leora Wood and Lori Nelson; and siblings Howard, Willard, Royal, Ronald, Wesley and Ida Fae.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Senior Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday September 21, 2018 at the Parkview Church of The Nazarene with Pastor James Trippett officiating.  Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery after a luncheon at the church.  Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 p.m. with Family Receiving Friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday September 20, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Ryan Benjamin Ziel, 42, of North Platte, formerly of Colorado, died in a work related accident in North Platte on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

Ryan was born November 19, 1975, to Reinhold and Twila (Zarbock) Ziel in Greeley, CO.  He grew up on a dairy farm in Windsor, CO, and graduated from Windsor High School in 1994.  He then went to work for Monfort Cattle Company as a parts manager before moving in 1999 to Broken Bow, NE, where he raised his son and worked for Swift.  By 2005 Ryan moved to North Platte and worked as a subcontractor with the Union Pacific Railroad until his death.

On July 19, 2011, Ryan married Kimberly Dawn Soto in North Platte where they made their home.

Ryan liked Harry Potter and loved Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel and DC Comics, and going to the movies.  He also loved racing video games as well as vaping and making his own vape juice. When he was younger, he was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Ryan was a good man who cared for his family and enjoyed making time to be with them.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and children, Alexander Ziel and Tasia Soto, all of North Platte; parents, Reinhold and Twila Ziel, of Windsor, CO; sisters, Laura (Zach) Milke, of Durango, CO, and Christina (Joey) Sutter, of Severance, CO; brother, Shan (Kristy) Ziel, of Westminster, CO; nieces, Avalon and Blythe; nephews, Vialiant and Erik; his many cousins including Amy Fiedler and Sunday Landgraf, who he had a close bond with, and other family.

Ryan was preceded in death by his cousin and best friend, Jeremy Hartshorn; and  grandparents, Doris and William Zarbock and ‘Opa’ Fred and ‘Oma’ Gertrude Ziel.

Cremation was chosen.  Services will be at a later date in Colorado.  Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the North Platte Opportunity Center.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Geneva G. Bassett, known as Guylene to family and friends, followed her spouse of 62 years into death on September 14, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Guylene, the second of ten children, was born on July 23, 1933 in Lebanon, MO to Albert and Eppah (Palmer) Luthy.  She was witty, artistic, and an avid reader.  Professionally she was a hairdresser and then secretary for the Lincoln County Extension Office before retiring in 1976.  She was named the North Platte Secretary of the Year in 1975.  Mama loved a good cup of coffee with her close friends over the years.  She really enjoyed making up believable answers for any question … even the ones she knew nothing about and would be so tickled if she got you to believe her.  She undoubtably would have been a great politician!  Mom taught us to be strong, tell the truth and always be individuals.  She led by example with her hard work, intelligence and honesty.

Guylene is survived by her children Gary (Karen) Bassett; daughter Raquelle Hill; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sisters Aurelia Miller, Alberta Luthy, and Joyce French; brother Dallas (Nicki) Luthy; as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; son Robert Bassett, Jr.; son-in-law Clayton Hill II; sister Margaret French; and brothers Malcom, Russell, Jim and Marvin Luthy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Memorial services will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday September 18, 2018 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday September 17, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Robert Lee Bannister, age 94, of North Platte, passed away at the Sutherland Care Center on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Robert was born December 28, 1923, to Walter Lee and Grace Emgard (Hayes) Bannister on the family farm north of Central City, NE, where he grew up.

On September 22, 1944, Robert was united in marriage to Carrie Steinke in Omaha, NE.  The couple farmed north of Central City and Robert drove a truck for several years until they moved to Gibbon, NE, where he worked for a grain elevator for seven years.  They had two children, Terry Lee and Gracia Ann, then moved to Hershey in 1967 where Robert was manager of the Hershey Mills for the next 23 years.  He retired from there in 1988.

Robert was a member and past president of the Hershey Lions Club and Hershey Board of Education.  He was also a 15 year member and chief of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department as well as a member of the Hershey United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing and “treasure hunting” with his metal detector.

In 1998 Robert and Carrie were named Grand Marshals for the Hershey Fall Festival.  By 2005 they moved to North Platte to be closer to their children and resided at Centennial Park Retirement Village.  They were married for nearly 72 years when Carrie passed away.  Robert loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by his children, Terry (Barbara) Bannister and Gracia (Larry) Kennedy, of North Platte; grandchildren, Todd Armstrong and Marcy Kennedy (Jason), of Omaha, and Micah (Danielle) Kennedy, of Petaluma, CA; five great-grandchildren, Tristan, Lilli,  Kiptyn, Adalynn and Natalie; brother, Ralph (Lillian) Bannister; sister, Margret (Roland) Hopwood; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Carrie, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Grace; and granddaughter, Misty Armstrong.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Hershey United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating.  Casual dress is requested for the service.  Inurnment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 5-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department.

Lois M. Reckard, age 90 of North Platte, passed away Tuesday September 11, 2018 at her home after a short illness.

Lois was born May 6, 1928 on the family farm southwest of North Platte to Clyde and Irene (Curtis) McKain.  She graduated from North Platte High School in 1945.  She continued her education in Omaha by completing beauty school. She then returned to North Platte to open her own shop.  She married Robert Reckard on June 1, 1952 and to this union three children were born: Patrick, Peggy and Robin.  Bob and Lois started their marriage living in the apartment attached to Lois’s beauty shop.  After Pat and Peggy were born, they moved to Sidney, Nebraska for 9 years.  They lost Peggy at age 8 while they were living in Sidney and they later moved back to North Platte.  Bob and Lois enjoyed many trips around the United States and got to enjoy a trip to Europe.  They particularly enjoyed camping throughout their marriage and even spent a few winters in Texas after Bob’s retirement.  Lois & Bob celebrated 50 years of marriage before Bob’s death in 2002.  Lois was a member of the Jolly Dozen, the Miller Mother’s Club, the North Platte Shrine Club Auxiliary, and the Lakeway Homes Club.  She was a life long member of the First United Methodist Church and volunteered many hours.  She was also on the election board for 29 years and their garage served as their precinct’s polling place.  She was an avid reader, and amazing baker, the toughest crosswords couldn’t stump her. Lois loved sports, particularly Major League Baseball and anything Huskers.  She was the mom that not only came to every game, but she was there for every practice too.  She was the patient grandma that delighted in everything about her grandchildren.  She was overjoyed to be a great grandma.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Pat (Melinda) Reckard and Robin Reckard; grandchildren Tiffany (Jeremy) Hill, Kelsey Reckard, Charity (Bubbi) Hansen, Brady Reckard, and Shalee Taylor; great granddaughter Lark Hill; special sister-in-law Gerry McKain; special nieces and nephew Marcia (Gaylen) Rogers, Marlene (Bill) Songster, and Mike McKain.

She was proceded in death by her husband Bob; daughter Peggy; brother Merle McKain; and sister Evelyn McKain.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday September 14, 2018 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 p.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Lehmkuhler, 81, formerly of North Platte, died at his home in Dodge City, Kansas, on Monday, September 10, 2018, after an extended illness.

Ernie was born July 21, 1937, at Arnold, Nebraska, to Ernest and J. Pauline (Vian) Lehmkuhler.  He grew up on the family farm at Stapleton, Nebraska, and attended Banner School then graduated in 1956 from Baker Rural High School in Stapleton.

In 1957 Ernie was united in marriage to Ardis Shively at the First Presbyterian Church in Stapleton and on Friday, September 7^th of this year, they had celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Ernie joined the Army Reserves in 1956 and received an honorable discharge in ’63. He was employed by the City of North Platte Municipal Light and Water where he worked as a truck driver and later inventory clerk. Ernie retired in 2002 after working 46 years for the City of North Platte.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Platte and Dodge City. He was a member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF & AM for 51 years and served as Master in 1979. Ernie also served as Grand Tiler for the State of Nebraska Grand Masonic Lodge in 1986, was a member of Tehama Shrine and the North Platte Shrine Club, and was a volunteer fireman in North Platte for many years.

Ernie’s hobbies included yard work, photography, woodworking and metal design, leaving behind many treasured gifts.  He also enjoyed attending events, camping and traveling the U.S. with family, friends and especially his grandkids.  Ernie was a great person who enjoyed doing things for others.

He is survived by his wife, Ardis, and son, Paul (Elaine) Lehmkuhler, all of Dodge City, Kansas; daughter, Lauretta (L.W. ‘John’, Jr.) Vian, of Moravian Falls, North Carolina; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Jones and Ryan (Katie) Lehmkuhler, DDS, of Dodge City, Kansas, and Heather (Steve) Maly, Michael (Ashley) Clark and Samuel (Hannah) Clark, all of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Finley, Jack and Alexis Maly and Reagan Jones; brother, Virgil (Karen) Lehmkuhler; sister, Charlene (Dwayne) Berger; sister-in-law, Barbara Lehmkuhler; and other family.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Pauline; and brother, David.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Inurnment with Masonic Rites will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shrine Hospitals for Children or the First United Methodist Church.

Dale Edwin Kirts, age 84 of North Platte, passed away Saturday September 8, 2018 at Centennial Park Nursing Home.

Dale “Eddie” was born September 9, 1933 in Sutherland, NE to Willard Lewis and Zelma Gertrude (Gress) Kirts.  He grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.  He entered the US Navy, serving from 1951 until 1955 during the Korean conflict at airfields around the world; he received 2 commendations for his service.  After his discharge he returned to North Platte and met Willa Pease at the local skating rink; they were married December 1, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Dale went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a CTC Signal Maintainer and retired after 42 years of service.  In his younger days he enjoyed hunting, he loved sports, especially pro football, and took excellent care of his yard.

Dale is survived by his wife Willa; children Kim Dermer of North Platte, Pam Youngs of North Platte, Jeff (Jennifer Bosche) Kirts of Colorado Springs, CO, Steve (Julie Ann) Kirts of Ames, IA, and Pat (Lana) Kirts of Papillion, NE; grandchildren Matthew Dermer, Jeremy Dermer, Chelsey Spady, Jacob Kirts, Tanner Kirts, Hunter Kirts, Sarah Kirts, Kyle Kirts, Connor Kirts, Spencer Kirts, Haley Kirts, and Landon Kirts; 7 great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Zelma Kirts; daughters Angela, Teresa and Joanne; and sister Donna Hein.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Reverend Richard Karr officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday September 12, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

ADAMS AND SWANSON FUNERAL HOME 421 W 4TH ST. NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101 OFFICE 308.532.2044 FAX 308.532.2045